New Tools for 2002

The changes in our industry were more apparent than ever at the National Hardware Show. Three years ago, it was the nation’s biggest tool show. This year, many major manufacturers chose not to attend. As a result, betterquality tools, equipment, and products for the building trades were not as prevalent as they once were, while cheap imports and obvious knock-offs from the Pacific Rim were everywhere. Among these signs of a changing economy, there were still plenty of exhibitors with products worth traveling to Chicago for — more than we could fit into one feature. A brief summary of some of the highlights follows. Klein Tools Renowned among electricians for its top-quality